Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu has been appointed as the secretary general of the MK party, a political party founded by former ANC and South African president Jacob Zuma. This appointment comes following the resignation of Dr. Sifiso Maseko, with Shivambu taking up the position with immediate effect. Zuma, in consultation with the party’s national officials, made the decision to appoint Shivambu to this key role within the party.
Shivambu’s transition to the MK party comes just three months after his resignation from the EFF, where he previously held the position of national organiser. His departure from the EFF, a party he helped build alongside Julius Malema, has been met with mixed reactions. Malema, who has referred to Shivambu as a “brother”, expressed his disappointment at the resignation but acknowledged that more leaders and members may follow suit.
The EFF, which suffered a decline in the May 29 elections, saw a significant number of its supporters shift their allegiance to the MK party. This shift in support has led to the MK party surpassing the EFF as the third largest political party in the country. Both the EFF and MK party are part of the progressive caucus, positioning themselves as an alternative to the current government of national unity.
Tensions have been rising within the progressive caucus as senior leaders from the EFF defect to the MK party, prompting concerns of infiltration within the EFF ranks. Advocate Dali Mpofu, a former EFF chairperson, recently announced his resignation from the party, further adding to the internal volatility experienced by both parties.
The MK party, despite being less than a year old, has seen its fair share of challenges, including the dismissal and reassignment of senior members allegedly orchestrated by Zuma himself. However, in a statement released on Sunday, Zuma expressed his full confidence in Shivambu’s leadership abilities and the direction of the party under his guidance.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics within the EFF and MK party will undoubtedly shape the future of South African politics. With Shivambu at the helm of the MK party, the stage is set for a new chapter in the country’s political narrative.
